Real Madrid edged into the UEFA Champions League quarter finals following a 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig in a hard-fought Last 16 second-leg encounter at the Bernabeu. At the 1st Leg Real win 1-0 score. 2-1 success on aggregate at Champions League.
Carlo Ancelotti’s La Liga leaders lacked a cutting edge in attack for long spells and survived one or two nervy moments before coming through a tricky tie courtesy of a 2-1 success on aggregate at Champions League.
A lacklustre Real failed to register a shot on target until past the hour but broke the deadlock on 65 minutes when Vinicius Jr rifled home following a brilliant run and pass from Jude Bellingham.
Die Rotten Bullen had talked up their hopes of causing an upset ahead of the match and Lois Openda blew a trio of excellent first-half openings. However, Marco Rose’s side continued to show belief and pulled level on the night when Willi Orban headed in three minutes after Real’s opener.
Real coach Ancelotti said in the press conference ahead of the clash with Leipzig, “We’ll have to be at our best because the tie is not over”. The Italian has named all available players in his squad. Among them is Bellingham, who returns to the Champions League as the team’s top scorer.
Leipzig pushed hard late on but could not find the goal to force extra time as Real booked their spot in their 20th UEFA Champions League quarter-final and the last eight of the European Cup for a record-extending 39th time. Source: Real Madrid FC, Goal.com.
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